Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Watch Your Step!

For Teachers K - 1st
Students examine the physical characteristics of insects and spiders. Students research the vaious ways in which insects move. They then observe and record the metamorposis of one of more insects. They complete the lesson by...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Classifying Shells

For Teachers K - 2nd
Young scholars observe and classify different types of shells. They compare and contrast an exhibit they created with one that already exists in a musuem. They discover the different characteristics of shells.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Prairie Predator and Prey

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders brainstorm a list of animals that live on the prairie, and classify them as predators and prey. They conduct interviews where they ask the animals what they need to look out for to sustain life on the prairie.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Creating a Family - Arthropods

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders make model and write essay of a new family pf arthropods using known data.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Spin Me a Story

For Teachers 5th - 7th
Students examine the motif of spinning and weaving in myths and folktales. They read various myths, complete a WebQuest, develop a mind map of story elements, and write an original "spider" story.
Worksheet
Curated OER

Innate Behavior

For Students 9th - Higher Ed
In this innate behavior worksheet, students compare inherited behavior and instinctive behavior. Students also look at behaviors resulting from internal and external cues. This worksheet has 4 short answer, 4 matching, 4 true or false,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Biomes: Adapting To Deserts & Other Ecosystems

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students examine how animals must be adapted to the conditions of its environment to survive.  In this biomes instructional activity students research desert adaptations then discuss how these animals have survived. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Night Hike

For Teachers 5th - Higher Ed
Students explore Upham Woods at night and investigate about the special adaptations of nocturnal animals. They identify three nocturnal animals and how they are adapted to the night. Students explain what night vision is and how it works.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Looking After Our Pets

For Teachers K - 3rd
Students explore animal lifestyles by illustrating images. In this pet care instructional activity, students discuss their own pets and the conditions animals need to survive in both nature or a home. Students draw snakes and complete an...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Making Cultural Connections

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Pupils explore cultures through storytelling. They read African folktales. Students discuss characteristics of folktales. They research and write a folktale that includes an animal. Additional cross curriculum activities are included.
Article
Society for Science and the Public

Science News for Students: Peacock Spider's Radiant Rump Comes From Teeny Tiny Structures

For Students 9th - 10th
Male peacock spiders have highly colored hind ends that they shake to attract females. Scientists have now figured out the physics responsible for those hues.